Flatbed Trucking Company
America’s Third-Largest Flatbed Carrier
Flatbed freight comes with requirements that standard shipping cannot meet, including odd dimensions, heavy weight, and cargo that has to be loaded from the side, top, or rear. At Mercer Transportation, we have been moving flatbed freight across North America for nearly 50 years. As one of the best flatbed trucking companies in the United States, we have the network, the equipment, and the experienced drivers to handle your freight with precision and care. When you choose Mercer, you gain a trusted partner driven for success.
Choose Mercer Transportation for Flatbed Shipping
As one of the nation’s leading flatbed carriers, Mercer provides business-tailored transportation services backed by a strong nationwide trucking network.
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1,300+Flatbeds
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30,000+Approved Carriers
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100+Independent Agents
- Reliable and Safe Service
- Expert Load Securement for Oversized Loads
- Modern Flatbed and Heavy-Haul Equipment
- Experienced Flatbed Truck Drivers
Locations Served
Flatbed Shipping to 50+ States
Mercer Transportation serves all points in the United States and Canada, as well as border service to Mexico. From Alaska to Newfoundland, and everywhere in between, our strong presence ensures your flatbed freight gets where it needs to go, on schedule and intact.
Reliable Flatbed Shipping Solutions
Reliable Flatbed Capacity
With 1,300 flatbeds and a network of 30,000 approved carriers, Mercer has the capacity to keep your freight moving. Our fleet utilization strategies help reduce delays and support safe, on-time delivery to job sites and facilities across the U.S.
Capability for Heavy Freight
Our extensive network and equipment mean we can handle any flatbed hauling challenge, big or small. Heavy machinery, construction materials, and oversized loads requiring permits are all routine work for our flatbed division. Our operations are designed to meet your specific flatbed transportation needs.
Commitment to Safety
Our professional drivers and advanced load securement protocols minimize risk on every haul. Proper tarping, chaining, and balanced weight distribution give you peace of mind that your flatbed freight is in capable hands through to its final destination.
End-to-End Flatbed Freight Management
Our freight management department handles the full logistics of your flatbed shipment, including loading, securement, and final delivery. We coordinate each step so your freight moves efficiently while you stay focused on your core operations.
Heavy and Oversized Freight Expertise
We transport oversized machinery, steel, metals, lumber, and heavy equipment using flatbed trucks and heavy-haul trailers. Our expertise spans many industries across the trucking industry, ensuring your flatbed freight is always in capable hands.
One Agent From Start to Finish
Every Mercer customer gets a local independent agent as their single point of contact for the life of the shipment. Your agent handles quotes, contracts, paperwork, scheduling, and day-to-day questions, so you don’t have to bounce between departments.
24/7 Real-Time Freight Tracking
MercerTrac provides free, real-time visibility into your flatbed freight, so you always know exactly where your load is and what’s happening. Stay informed and in control of your load at every stage with our advanced tracking technology.
Free Flatbed Freight Quotes
Contact us for an accurate flatbed shipping rate. Our team will provide a detailed quote based on your cargo, accounting for factors like gross vehicle weight, load dimensions, securement needs, permits, and applicable state regulations.
Flatbed Trucking FAQs
Get quick answers to the most common questions about our flatbed trucking services.
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What is flatbed freight shipping?
Flatbed freight shipping moves cargo on an open trailer with no sides or roof, so loads can be secured and lifted from the top, sides, or rear. It is used for freight that is too large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped for an enclosed dry van, including steel, lumber, machinery, and building materials. Mercer Transportation handles this freight across North America with 1,300+ flatbeds and a network of 30,000+ approved carriers.
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What makes flatbed shipping different from enclosed freight?
Flatbed trailers load from the sides, top, and rear, making them ideal for oversized loads and heavy machinery too large for a dry van. The tradeoff is weather exposure, which is why tarping and securement matter.
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How does Mercer secure and protect flatbed loads in transit?
Our drivers use chains, straps, binders, and tarps matched to each load, with weight balanced to meet axle limits. These protocols protect your freight and keep every haul compliant.
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Can Mercer handle oversized or over-dimensional flatbed loads?
Yes. As America’s third-largest flatbed and heavy specialized carrier, we routinely move over-dimensional freight, managing the permits, routing, and escorts these loads require.
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Does Mercer offer flatbed driver and owner-operator opportunities?
Yes. We partner with experienced flatbed truck drivers, company drivers, and owner-operators nationwide, offering competitive pay and steady freight. New drivers can explore flatbed truck driver jobs through our owner-operator opportunities.
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What can be shipped on a flatbed truck?
Flatbed trucks carry freight that will not fit inside an enclosed trailer or needs crane or forklift loading. Common loads include:
- Steel, metals, and coils
- Lumber and building materials
- Construction and heavy equipment
- Pipe and tubing
- Industrial machinery
- Oversized or irregularly shaped cargo
Mercer moves all of these daily and matches each load to the right flatbed or heavy-haul trailer.
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What are the size and weight limits for flatbed shipping?
A standard flatbed is 48 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, and can carry up to 48,000 pounds of freight. The deck sits about 5 feet off the ground, leaving roughly 8.5 feet of cargo height before a load needs permits. Federal rules cap the combined weight of truck, trailer, and cargo at 80,000 pounds. Freight beyond these limits ships as oversized, and Mercer manages the permits, routing, and escorts those loads require.
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What factors affect flatbed shipping rates?
Flatbed shipping rates depend on several factors: freight weight and dimensions, shipping distance and lane, securement and tarping needs, permits and escorts for oversized loads, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Because every load is different, Mercer provides free, detailed quotes through a local independent agent who handles your shipment from quote to delivery.